LAST CALL: Gregory's Tavern closes its doors after 12 years

Individuals from all walks and positions in life joined fellow Gregory's Tavern patrons and the staff to enjoy the last day of the tavern's business Friday.

Mattie Cookmattie.cook@sentinel-standard.com

Individuals from all walks and positions in life joined fellow Gregory's Tavern patrons and the staff to enjoy the last day of the tavern's business Friday.

Owners Ryan and Amy Gregory, who took over what was then Bunky's in 2001, have been busy managing Gregory's for the past 12 years.

Recently, the site was sold and according to Ryan Gregory, the new owners intend to create a restaurant and bar that may be called "The Alibi."

According to Stephanie Nemeth, who has worked at the bar for more than 20 years, the new owners have suggested keeping many items on the menu the same and incorporating new things down the line.

At this time, it is unknown whether the incoming business will open before construction is completed on the Cleveland Street bridge.

Long-time patrons who visited Gregory's in the days before closing were sad and anxious about the end, said Nemeth.

"For a lot of people, Gregory's is a part of their daily routine," said Nemeth.

One such individual is Chuck Zander, who has been frequenting the location for more than 60 years, or as he puts it, for "far too long."

The change will also be significant for employees, such as Vicki Stanard, who has been employed at the site for more than 30 years.

"I'm really going to miss it. I've been here since I was 18 so it's going to be a big change," said Stanard.

According to Stanard, at the age of 18 she walked in, sat down at the bar, and asked the owner at that time for a job.

When the owner asked if she had any experience as a waitress or bartender, she replied that she did not.

"But they were busy that day and needed some extra help so I got hired on the spot. I've been here on and off ever since," Stanard said.

Ryan and Amy Gregory, who also own the K of C Hall, are hoping to stay busy with the hall and catering once Gregory's Tavern is closed.

"We've got a few more projects to do, but hopefully once we get those done, we'll be busy," said Ryan Gregory.

At Gregory's, memories for those who have been frequenting the business for years are found on the walls, the tables and the bar. Since the incoming owners will be creating a new bar, the Gregory's will be taking some of these visual reminders of times past with them.

One such relic is the custom designed bar, which is filled with driver's licenses, concert and game ticket stubs and photographs. Many of the items were either donated or collected by the current owners.

According to Elmer Gregory, father of Ryan Gregory, this bar will forever remain in his memory as a working man's bar.

"I came here with my dad when I was a boy. The help has always been very friendly and laid back. It's always been a working man's bar and I hope it can stay that way," said Elmer Gregory.

Jayson Nemeth, husband of longtime Gregory's employee Stephanie Nemeth, said that one of his favorite tales from the business was when two out-of-town bankers stopped in before meeting with two of their "very important" Ionia clients.

"When Stephanie asked them who they came to see, they basically just said, 'Oh, you wouldn't know them, they wouldn't come to a place like this.' But eventually they gave in and told her and she said, 'I know them, they'll be here in 15 minutes and they'll sit right over there and split a pitcher of beer.' Sure enough, a few minutes later, they came in," said Jayson Nemeth.

For Ryan Gregory, watching the newest batch of 21-year-olds come to Gregory's Tavern was one of his favorite memories of the business.

"Some of the kids who come in we served kiddie cocktails to when they were younger. Now they come in and have a beer," Stephanie Nemeth said.

Although the business has had a "strong following for years," according to Elmer Gregory, road construction near the business and new ownership caused Gregory's Tavern to close earlier than expected.

"I'm going to miss the customers and our neighbors. Just really the day-to-day interaction that I have with everyone who comes in here is what I will miss most," Ryan Gregory said.